Thank you for investing in the mission and vision of the Center for Youth Ministry Training! God continues to do amazing things through CYMT as we impact the Kingdom one youth ministry at a time.
With 31 graduate residents working at 28 different partner churches, there is no shortage of Good News to report about what God is doing through our ministry, but here are a few things that stand out since our last investor update:
- 12 new partner churches are excited about the things that are already happening in their youth ministries
- Both Smithville and Carthage FUMCs have reported record numbers of youth participation since their CYMT graduate residents arrived
- CYMT residents have led fall retreats with their youth ministries, creating space for youth to encounter God
- Our second year graduate residents are immersed in developing strong theological foundations for their ministries with Professor Andrew Zirschky
- Graduate residents, with the help of their coaches, have been helping youth through difficult situations including the loss of parents, divorces, and eating disorders.
- CYMT Alumna Tess Frohock was invited to teach in Bishop Joseph Pennel’s Mission of the Church course at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
- It Happens: True Tales from the Trenches of Youth Ministry – Will Penner, General Editor
- Hollow Faith: How Andy Griffith, Facebook, and the American Dream Neutered the Gospel – Stephen Ingram
- Raising Teens in an Almost Christian World: A Parents Guide – Dietrich Kirk
CYMT continues to gain national recognition as a leader in youth ministry education. Andrew Zirschky, our Academic Director, served as one of the leaders for the theological track at the National Youth Workers Convention this fall. CYMT continues to be a leader in the conversation of how we train and equip youth ministers for ministry.
Finally, we are excited to welcome three new members to our board: Donald Reid (BUMC), Bryant Tirrill (FPC), and Jeff Wilson (FPC).
Thank you for your support of this vitally important ministry.
Serving Christ,
Dietrich “Deech” Kirk
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BY:Of course, I want students to drink deeply from the academic readings, lectures and discussions, and I want them to be informed by the academics. But more than that, I want them to see that youth ministry is a calling of God, an important part of God’s mission in the world, one that should give them pride and evoke humility at the same time.